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The frequent drumbeat of “no-new-spending” and “pay-down-the-debt” in Washington can be puzzling for people who know instinctively that even when times are tough, you have to keep investing in the things that matter. While there is much energy... See More

In an event yesterday sponsored by the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) State and Local Officials Initiative, U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan emphasized the importance of a global approach to education. Noting that the United States is experiencing both increased competition from and collaboration with other countries, Duncan described education as the great equalizer and connector, not just for students in American schools, but also around the world.... See More

Lee Hamilton, director of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington, co-chair of the 9/11 Commission, and a former U.S. Congressman, makes a powerful case for investment in and advancement of international education in... See More

In his State of the Union Address last night, President Obama spoke about the many challenging issues confronting the American people, and it was clear that the economy was at the top of his list. He spoke of the need to maintain our... See More

NAFSA: Association of International Educators is deeply saddened by the news of the death of Senator Edward Kennedy. We join Americans and many people around the world in reflecting today on the profound legacy of this great American statesman,... See More

The passage of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for FY 2010-2011 (HR 2410) in the U.S. House of Representatives is an important investment in America’s diplomatic capabilities. As Matt observed, “this legislation is necessary and long overdue” and sets the stage for “global persistent engagement rather than persistent conflict.”

Doubling the size of the Peace Corps, enhancing the State Department’s educational and cultural exchange programs, providing scholarships for students from around the world to study in the U.S., and hiring and training more Foreign Service officers are all important elements to bolster the effectiveness of U.S. public diplomacy, foreign policy, and national security efforts. NAFSA strongly supports the enactment of another piece of this important legislation – The Senator Paul Simon Study Abroad Foundation Act.

Yesterday, the House Foreign Relations Authorization Act was passed favorably out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. While the bill's primary purpose is to authorize funding for the operations of the U.S. Department of State, it also includes innovative programs critical to accomplishing U.S. foreign policy and public diplomacy goals like the Simon Study Abroad legislation. The Simon bill aims to dramatically increase the number of American undergraduates who study abroad in quality programs across the globe, focusing particular attention on ensuring access to study abroad across the college demographic and encouraging study abroad in the developing world. Currently, only about one percent of U.S. undergraduates study abroad – this bill seeks to change that.... See More